Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney.

And: COVID learning woes still haunt MN kids’ well-being.

And: A McGregor gas station was fined by the state Pollution Control Agency; the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission was given a transportation award; and Red Lake County will defend its baseball title Monday.

And: A missing Alexandria woman found alive in mud puddle near Backus; a nature-based early learning center opens in Coleraine; and Brainerd boys and Detroit Lakes girls are state golf champions.

Plus: the Brainerd City Council is considering a plan to redevelop the City Hall parking lot into a four-story apartment complex.

Plus: the Brainerd School Board votes to put a levy referendum on the ballot; and the DNR’s new electronic licensing system launches.

Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field.

This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 8.

After a short 2024 season and skipping a season in 2025, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is back with a full season in 2026.

Plus: A new conservation easement protects more than 900 acres on North Shore; Cohasset to host comprehensive plan meeting; and more Northland HS sports results.